Airman charged with DUI speaks at own memorial service
By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk, 23rd Wing Public Affairs
/ Published January 26, 2011
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Senior Airman Larry Mitchell, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communications navigator journeyman, looks down at his coffin with disbelief during his mock memorial service. Airman Mitchell set up a skit to demonstrate the worst case scenario of what could have happened. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Anthony Wilson, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communications navigator craftsman, pays his respects to Senior Airman Larry Mitchell, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communications navigator journeyman, during a mock memorial service. Sergeant Wilson and Airman Mitchell prepared a skit for the squadron’s safety briefing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airman 1st Class Jonathon Gebhardt, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has trouble starting a golf cart while wearing fatal vision goggles. The goggles are used to educate Airmen on the effects and consequences of alcohol use while driving. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Mark Koppen, 23rd Medical Group commander, hits a cone while wearing fatal vision goggles that simulated .17 blood alcohol content. The goggles use special lenses that allow the wearer to experience a realistic simulation of alcohol impairment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Capt. Laura Boylan, 23rd Medical Group Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program manager, speaks to members of the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron about binge drinking and the Department of Defense “That Guy” Campaign. The campaign uses aims to reduce excessive drinking among young service members and uses humor to deliver a serious message and provide vital tools to help eradicate That Guy, who makes irresponsible decisions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron listen to Senior Airman Larry Mitchell, 723rd AMXS communication navigator journeyman, talk about his DUI experience and the effects it had on his life. Airman Mitchell regrets getting behind the wheel of his vehicle and is pushing to help other Airmen not make the same mistake. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Senior Airman Larry Mitchell, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication navigation journeyman, reflects his actions that led up to his death during a mock memorial service. Airman Mitchell and his supervisor Staff Sgt. Anthony Wilson put together a skit to inform the members of 723rd AMXS about the dangers of drinking and driving. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
As Staff Sgt. Anthony Wilson gave a speech beside the flag-draped coffin of Senior Airman Larry Mitchell, he couldn't hear the last regrets of the 26-year-old Airman.
If that was possible, he would've heard, "This can't be happening. I thought I only had a few beers. What was I thinking, driving with a .2 blood alcohol level? I even had other people in the car."
But this was a mock memorial and because Airman Mitchell was alive, he was able to share these thoughts with a hangar full of fellow 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members.
"The night I decided to drink, drive and go 71 mph in a 45 mph zone with passengers was a terrible night," said Airman Mitchell, who was taken into custody early July 18 when he refused a BAC test. "I've always thought something like this wouldn't happen to me because I considered myself a good Airman.
"But it did happen and because of it I spent hours wearing an orange jumpsuit, something else I thought would never happen," he added.
Once his supervisor, Sergeant Wilson, picked him up from jail, he had to explain everything that had happened.
"I had to explain I was the designated driver but still sat down at the bar and drank alcohol," said Airman Mitchell. "I had to explain why I still got behind the wheel and let passengers in my car before starting to drive way too fast while way too intoxicated."
One of the most daunting parts of the aftermath was who he had to explain all this to- Master Sgt. Robert Sams and Lt. Col. John Frazier.
"It was unbelievably embarrassing going before my first sergeant and commander in blues and explaining exactly how badly I messed up," Airman Mitchell said. "It was the worse feeling in the world to confess I endangered not only my life, but the lives of my fellow Airmen. With my BAC being .2, there's absolutely no way I could have safely driven."
After explaining it to his leadership, he was put before another audience- his entire squadron.
"It was a mandatory formation with everybody in service dress uniform on a Saturday morning," said Airman Mitchell. "The thought of that alone lets you know how serious it was. I stood at attention in front of the entire squadron and Colonel Frazier let them know how I had screwed up. It was embarrassing and I felt so bad."
But then Colonel Frazier challenged the Airman with turning a negative situation into a more positive one- finding a way to educate the base.
Once Airman Mitchell completed the 12-week Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, he developed the idea for the mock memorial service as a new way to help with ADAPT outreach.
Through the service, he lets the audience know about the process he went through to get there, as well as what it cost him.
"I paid more than $3,000 for classes, fees and getting my license reinstated," said Airman Mitchell. "I lost money, but I also lost respect.
"I could have called Sober Ride, my supervisor or anybody else on the recall roster," he said. "By taking a risk and making the decision not to call anyone was the stupidest thing I've ever done. It wasn't worth the risk and it had a large impact on my Air Force career."
After the mock memorial service was complete, the ADAPT staff let two audience members try on fatal vision goggles and drive a golf cart to test their ability to drive while impaired. Both of them had trouble opening the cart's door or even starting the engine.
The ADAPT program was designed to help Airmen deal with substance abuse by providing comprehensive clinical services, including counseling and treatment. Airmen are encouraged to seek help and can self-refer themselves for an assessment by calling 229-257-3898. When diagnosed, the Airmen will receive a treatment plan.